BY CHRIS MANNINGNorthern Tier Sports Report
Northeast Bradford girls’ basketball is no stranger to roster turnover, but if any program can withstand losing a strong outgoing class it’s the Panthers. They’ve been reloading year after year since 2019 as they look to claim their seventh straight divisional title this season.
“It feels good but it’s a new year,” said NEB coach Ben Beebe. “That’s our goal every year is league champs and district champs. We’ve won the league, now we just have to get the district, but different year, different girls, and ready to go.”
They’ve been runners up the past two seasons in the District IV, Class AA bracket, falling to Muncy both times.
“I think two years in a row losing the district finals is a really big motivator for us,” said forward Mallorie Maynard. “We’re just going to push to work harder and harder.”
Senior Leah Beebe returns to run the offense as a third year starter for the Panthers.
“It’ll be different with new girls that have never really played, but it’ll be fun,” Beebe said.
She was NEB’s leading scorer last year with her long range shooting, and is a pest on defense.
“She is my coach on the floor,” coach Beebe said. “She is very passionate about what she does, and she works really hard. She sets the example for the girls.”
She’s joined by a talented junior class - Maynard, Kara Dughi, Aurelia Kolesar, Katrina Russell, and Sarah Gray - that will be looking to replace last year’s outgoing seniors.
Maynard saw plenty of action last year alongside her sister Lillie Maynard, but now will be looking to take over some of her leadership role.
“It’s going to be different, but I think it’s going to be fine,” said Mallorie. “I think it’s a lot of pressure on our new girls, but they’re looking good even some of them haven’t played before, there’s always room for improvement.”
That’s the sentiment across the team.
“I’m not concerned because the younger girls that I have have been around the older girls that I have to replace,” coach Beebe said. “They have instilled the work ethic, so when you play against some of the best in the league every year you’re bound to get better. As the years have gone by, when one girl has struggled, my other girls have picked up, so that’s what I’m expecting. If everybody chips in we’ll be in good shape.”
The one thing have is size - Mallorie, Russell, and Dughi are all tall for their position, while Kolesar plays bigger than her height.
“That’ll be good,” said Leah. “We’ve been very guard based, so it’ll be good to have some size.”
Mallorie brings some shooting with her size, while Kolesar can score on the block. Russell missed last year with an an injury, so she’ll be getting her varsity action this year.
“It’ll be an adjustment,” Leah said. “But I think overall it’ll be good, and we’ll just learn.”
Coach Beebe can’t wait to see what his bigs can do on the floor.
“This might be my tallest teams in years,” he said. “I’m really excited. We’re bringing in Katrina, who hasn’t played but been in the program - she gives me size. Mallorie and Kara, they’re not short either, so I actually have more size than I ever had.”
After blowing through the Small School division for years they suffered their first loss of the decade at Canton a year ago, though they still ended up cruising to a league title.
Still, Canton will be looking to knock them off their perch, and they know they’ll be getting everyone’s best.
“I like it,” Leah said about the target on their back. “I think it makes it more exciting.”
ROSTER (Grade)
Leah Beebe (12)
Isabelle Kapr (12)
Katrina Russell (11)
Mallorie Maynard (11)
Kara Dughi (11)
Aurelia Kolesar (11)
Sarah Gray (11)
Sydney Howland (10)
Maggie Chappell (10)
Karmyn McPherson (9)
Jana Laudermilch (9)
SCHEDULE
Dec. 5 at Blue Ridge, 7 p.m.
Dec. 10 vs Wellsboro, 7 p.m.
Dec. 12 at Wyalusing, 7 p.m.
Dec. 17 vs Troy, 7 p.m.
Dec. 19 vs NPL, 7 p.m.
Dec. 22 at Milton, 7 p.m.
Dec. 29 at St. John Neumann, 7 p.m.
Jan. 7 at Canton, 7 p.m.
Jan. 9 vs Sayre, 7 p.m.
Jan. 10 vs South Williamsport, 7 p.m.
Jan. 12 vs Muncy, 7 p.m.
Jan. 14 vs CV, 7 p.m.
Jan. 16 at Williamson, 7 p.m.
Jan. 20 at NPM, 7 p.m.
Jan. 22 vs Athens, 7 p.m.
Jan. 27 at Towanda, 7 p.m.
Jan. 29 at NPL, 7 p.m.
Jan. 31 vs Williamson, 7 p.m.
Feb. 3 vs Canton, 7 p.m.
Feb. 5 at Sayre, 7 p.m.
Feb. 7 vs Bloomsburg, 7 p.m.
Feb. 9 at CV, 7 p.m.
